UC College of Law Student Places Second in Cincinnati s Flying Pig Marathon

Law student Donnie Warner, ’14, has a lot to celebrate this month. He’s completed three years of law school. He’s scheduled to graduate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law on May 17. And, oh yes, he just finished in second place in the 15th annual Flying Pig Marathon, held Sunday, May 4, in Cincinnati. He finished the grueling race with a time of 2:28:39, besting third-place winner Kota Reichart by 18 seconds; he was 1 minute and 18 seconds behind three-time winner Sergio Reyes.

Warner’s running career started when he was 8 or 9 years old, he said. He went on to run for his high school team in Michigan. Next, he ran for DePaul University, earning a scholarship for cross country and track along the way. He ran his first Flying Pig Marathon in 2010, placing fourth and running about eight minutes slower than he did this year. “It was a disappointing result for me,” Warner said. “The silver lining was that I gained experience. This year that experience paid off with a smarter [running] strategy.” During law school he continued to race in marathons, placing seventh in the Columbus Marathon in 2012 and sixth in the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in 2013.

The Reason He Runs

With more than 20 years' experience under his belt, Warner has many reasons for why he runs. What he likes most, however, is the opportunity to meet interesting people. “Through running I've had the opportunity to become friends with runners from around the world, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Ireland, England, Morocco and South Africa. When I lived on the Navajo Nation, I learned that my student's uncle was a famous runner; before long I was visiting his house and learning about his career. I am fascinated by how running brings people together.”  

His wife is also a runner, and the two enjoy running together to catch up on the day’s or week’s events.

Why This Year’s Race Was So Important

The 2014 Flying Pig had special significance for Warner. This year he ran in support of a local organization –

Elementz Hip-Hop Youth Cente

r in Over-The-Rhine. Elementz teaches and encourages art that comes out of urban life and experience. Thus, through rap, spoken word, stepping, urban photography, music production and video production, youth are able to express themselves and communicate their message of respect, hope and achieving success. “I think that Elementz does very important work in our community, so I was happy to find a way to help out.” He has raised $1,300 to date.  

Warner isn’t sure when or where his next race will be. He’ll be a little occupied for the next few months preparing for the Ohio Bar Exam. “I guess studying for the bar is kind of a marathon. I am going to start with that (the bar exam) and then see what (race) looks interesting. Someday, though, I’d really like to run an international marathon.” 

As for after the bar, Warner says he has enjoyed his experiences working in criminal defense and employment law. He is hoping to find a career in one of those areas, but he’s open to other possibilities.